SBL in Denver 2026

Performance Criticism of the Bible and Other Ancient Texts (PC-BOAT) will host four sessions in Denver:

1. Ancient Theater, Material Culture, and Performance. A Joint Session with SCRIPT (Society for Comparative Research on Iconic and Performative Texts)    
   This joint session with the Society for Comparative Research on Iconic and Performative Texts (SCRIPT) will  engage specifically with ancient theater, material culture, and performance. The papers will address topics related to the  intersection of ancient theater and its impact on the development and performance of the biblical texts, the material culture surrounding ancient theatrical performance.

2. Iconicity and Performativity of the Bible and Other Ancient Texts. A Joint session with SCRIPT
   This joint session with SCRIPT will address the iconicity and performativity of the Bible and other ancient texts. This is a more broad-reaching session which will  incorporate considerations of how scriptural texts function as iconic and/or performative texts.

3. Panel on Biblical Performance Criticism, 20 years after Rhoads’ BTB
   In this session we will  look backwards and forwards on the 20th anniversary of David Rhoads' 2-part BTB article introducing Biblical Performance Criticism. Five panelists, all specialists in different fields of  biblical studies,  will interact critically on the legacy of  Performance Criticism, its inception and further development.  There will also be a large group discussion on the contribution of Performance Criticism in different areas of Biblical studies, Bible translation and multimodality. The session is of interest to biblical scholars, biblical performers, Bible translators and educators in the field of Biblical studies.

4. Networking Luncheon (Monday)
   Come meet other scholars and students and get to know their work! Bring your own lunch.